External risk intelligence

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-37415

Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus allows unauthorized access to certain REST-API URLs. This could lead to data compromise and system manipulation for affected organizations, posing a business risk.

4Halo Surface Signal

Missing Authentication

Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus

11.011.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-37415

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is a common IT service management platform frequently deployed as a web-based, network-accessible application for organizational support. Due to its nature as an enterprise service portal, it is often exposed to network segments that allow access by end-users or technicians, making it a likely candidate for reachable, internet-facing deployment in many environments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is vulnerable to an authentication bypass flaw. This weakness allows unauthorized access to certain REST API functions. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access and modification within affected systems.

  • Vulnerable component: ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
  • Core weakness: Authentication bypass
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized system access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Certain REST-API URLs within Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus can be accessed without proper authentication. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to specific functionalities by bypassing the normal login procedures. Attackers can leverage this to potentially gain access to sensitive information or manipulate system settings.

  • Exposure condition: Network-accessible REST-API URLs.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated network access.
  • Trigger and result: Accessing URLs bypasses authentication, enabling unauthorized actions.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to specific API functions within Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus. Attackers can bypass authentication to exploit this flaw. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access and modification, posing a significant risk to the organization.

  • Low attacker skill level required.
  • No access or conditions needed.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, allowing unauthorized access to certain REST-API URLs. This could enable attackers to access or modify sensitive data, posing a significant risk to the organization. Prompt remediation is advised.

  • Identify all instances of Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus.
  • Restrict network access to affected systems.
  • Apply vendor updates and confirm system integrity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus?

Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is an IT service management software used by organizations to handle help desk tickets, manage assets, and provide support to users. It helps streamline IT operations and improve user satisfaction.

What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2021-37415?

CVE-2021-37415 is an authentication bypass vulnerability. This means that attackers can access certain parts of the software that should require a login without actually providing any credentials.

How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this by accessing specific REST-API URLs within the affected software. These URLs are designed to require authentication, but due to this vulnerability, they can be accessed directly without logging in.

Who needs to care about this CVE?

Organizations using Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus should care. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this software is often deployed as a web-based application accessible over the network, potentially making it reachable from the internet.

What is the first step to address this threat?

The first step is to identify all installations of Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus within your environment. After identifying them, apply the updates provided by Zoho to remediate the vulnerability.

References